Now in its fourth year of production, the reborn Trailblazer continues as a value-oriented small SUV for those looking for a frugal and practical machine that still offers some personality. This year, the Trailblazer faces off against the even more recently reborn Chevy Trax, which is similar on paper. But, with the option of a bit more power and slightly more rugged styling, the 2024 Trailblazer still looks well positioned as a worthy upgrade over its sibling.
The 2024 Trailblazer receives a few small but significant updates. They include:
As before, the Trailblazer lineup includes four trim levels, each available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). They include the LS, LT, Activ, and RS, and prices range from $24,395 to $29,995, including the $1,295 destination charge.
Previously, JD Power reviewed the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. This review focuses on the Trailblazer's updates for 2024 and how they potentially impact its overall consumer appeal.
Photo: Tim Stevens
The Chevrolet Trailblazer competes in the Small SUV market segment. According to data collected from verified new-vehicle buyers for the JD Power 2023 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, Chevrolet Trailblazer owners rated their SUVs in 10 primary categories.
Listed below in descending order, you'll find their preferences, from what they like most about the Trailblazer to what they like least:
In the 2023 APEAL Study, the Trailblazer ranks second out of 16 Small SUV models.
In the following sections, our independent expert analyzes a 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS equipped with the following options:
The Convenience Package ($1,195) adds handy features like a hands-free power liftgate, rear USB ports, a 120-volt outlet, and wireless charging. The Adaptive Cruise and Sound Package ($995) predictably installs adaptive cruise control and an upgraded Bose sound system. The Driver Confidence Package ($395) equips the Trailblazer with blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and rear parking sensors.
Add the $1,295 destination charge to ship the vehicle from its assembly plant in Bupyeong, Korea , to your local dealer, and the total price of the test vehicle comes to $35,065.
Photo: Tim Stevens
Chevy updated the Trailblazer's styling this year, but you'd be hard-pressed to notice. While the two new colors, Copper Harbor Metallic and Cacti Green, are easy to spot, the other changes are far more subtle. That makes sense since Trailblazer owners tell JD Power the exterior styling is, by a wide margin, their favorite thing about the SUV.
Up front, the headlights are narrower and sharper, and the nose is simpler. For example, the grille is quite a bit cleaner than before, while the lower section is slightly different for each trim. The RS model shown here has a subtle wing-like section down low, adding visual intrigue to the mix.
Each trim level gets a new wheel design, and that's about the extent of the changes. But even if it's familiar, the Trailblazer still looks fresh, especially with the contrasting color roof and the test vehicle's bright Fountain Blue paint.
Step into the 2024 Trailblazer, and you'll find a new, standard 8-inch digital instrumentation display. However, despite being entirely digital, it is not customizable in the least, always presenting the same information in the same way.
The most significant change inside the 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer is the central display, which grows to 11 inches from the prior model's 7- or 8-inch options, depending on the trim. This larger screen houses Chevrolet's current basic but clean and functional infotainment system.
The rest of the Trailblazer's interior has seen minor updates since last we reviewed the SUV in 2021. The general layout is the same, though, which is good. All the necessary controls are where you want them, with a healthy selection of physical buttons for essential functions, including one to toggle the optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) system and another with a checkered flag to enable Sport mode.
This five-passenger SUV has plenty of front and rear headroom, and an available panoramic sunroof extends back far enough to brighten up the rear seats. While rear passengers still must make do without their own air conditioning vents, at least they have a pair of cupholders in the fold-down armrest and room for larger water bottles in the door pockets. Two USB ports and a three-prong power outlet ensure that devices and tools of all sizes stay charged.
Photo: Tim Stevens
The 2024 Trailblazer's new 11-inch infotainment system is an improvement over the one it replaces, but it's startlingly basic in nature.
The native platform offers an AM/FM tuner and SiriusXM satellite radio. Through OnStar connected services, you can remotely start or stop the engine, operate the door locks, and access a Wi-Fi hotspot. Otherwise, aside from some menus for tracking fuel economy and changing vehicle settings, that's about it. Quick access to the vehicle settings runs vertically along the left of the display.
Most Trailblazer owners will want to use the wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for easy access to all their media, navigation, and voice assistance, which the Trailblazer would otherwise lack. Pairing a phone is easy, and the widescreen display provides plenty of room for showing the information from your device. The test vehicle also had a wireless charging pad.
The optional seven-speaker Bose sound system, available as part of the Adaptive Cruise and Sound package, is well worth the upgrade. While not offering the greatest finesse, it has far more power than you'd generally expect from a system in this segment. It fills the Trailblazer's cabin nicely.
While the Trailblazer's powertrain options are unchanged, Chevy's addition of the more affordable 2024 Trax to its SUV lineup makes the availability of two engine options here more significant.
The Trailblazer and Trax share a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine delivering 137 horsepower. It uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to power the front wheels of these SUVs. Want more motive force? Only the Trailblazer offers a turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder supplying 155 hp. It is standard with Activ and RS trim.
In addition, an optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is exclusive to the Trailblazer. It comes with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a center differential that you electronically enable at the touch of a button. That means you'll get most of the efficiency of a front-wheel-drive SUV, but when you need more wheels turning for extra traction, it’s just a button press away.
And it makes an immediate difference. After a few inches of fresh snow, the Trailblazer RS struggled to blaze its way up a paved road. But, with the AWD system enabled, the SUV (and its Continental ProContact all-season tires) made short work of the conditions.
That 1.3-liter turbo three is far from a powerhouse, but for its size, it delivers respectable acceleration and is reasonably frugal. The EPA officially rates the 2024 Trailblazer RS AWD to get 26 mpg in the city, 29 on the highway, and 27 in combined driving. In my mixed testing, on a snowy, below-freezing day, I saw just 24 mpg, undoubtedly impacted at least partly due to the weather conditions.
The Trailblazer's nine-speed transmission takes its time dropping gears to bring that engine close to its power band, even in Sport mode. But, once the SUV finds the right gear, it responds well.
Handling is on the relaxed side, with noticeable body roll, and the ride quality is just a bit harsh on bigger bumps, perhaps thanks to the 19-inch wheels on the RS. But, the ride quality is better than acceptable for such a small SUV. The Trailblazer RS is even reasonably fun to drive, though far short of sporty.
Photo: Tim Stevens
Updates to the 2024 Trailblazer are few, and while I'm unconvinced that the refreshed styling is much of an upgrade, the bigger infotainment screen is a welcome change, as is the digital gauge cluster. I just wish the tech were a bit more powerful and customizable.
Still, these minor updates ensure that the Chevy Trailblazer remains a good choice in its small SUV segment and, perhaps more importantly, a great value. Rivals include the Buick Encore GX, Ford Bronco Sport, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, Jeep Compass, Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, Subaru Crosstrek, Toyota Corolla Cross, and Volkswagen Taos.
Tim Stevens is a veteran automotive and technology journalist with over 25 years of experience covering everything from smartphones to supercars. In addition to JDPower.com, his expert perspectives have appeared in numerous national and international outlets, including print, online, and broadcast television.
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